And the Oscar goes to...

The 83rd Academy Awards were on last night and I mainly watched it for the fashion...let's be honest, I don't really care who wins for visual effects and set design, although I was thrilled to see Christian Bale win for Best Supporting Actor and Natalie Portman for Best Actress.  Both well-deserved.

We saw alot of red on the Red Carpet this year as well as nudes, lace, and less dramatic ballgowns compared to years past.  For the most part I was impressed by everyone's' choice and as always there were the disappointments and the "what were they thinking" dresses.

Picks for Best Dressed 

 The color was stunning on her!

 Does Gwyneth ever look bad?

 One of the nude trends at its best

Always classy and a body to die for!

Picks for Worst Dressed

 Tacky

 I hated the neckline and the necklace

 I mean...

It bothered me that she kept saying this was "built" for her

Quick and Easy Dinner!

The last thing you want to do after work or going to the gym after work is to come home and make dinner.  Not only are you starving at this point, but the thought of not being able to sink into your couch right away is even more exhausting.  I am a huge fan of dinners that take under 20 minutes to prepare.  Last night my boyfriend and I made skirt steak with caramelized onions, asparagus and a salad with lots of fresh veggies and sliced avocado.

I rubbed the skirt steak with spices and broiled it for about 5 minutes on each side (this depends on the thickness of the steak).  While that was cooking we sauteed the onions and blanched the asparagus.  The salad was topped with chopped red and green peppers, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and avocado. Once the asparagus was finished we tossed it in olive oil and added salt and pepper.  Give this a try one night after work!

Target Go International Collection

Target is not just the home of smart bargains and everyday low prices anymore.  For the last 5 years, it has been the outpost for some of the biggest brand name designers including Thakoon, Tucker and Proenza Schouler to name a few.  On March 13, get your fingers in ultimate clicking condition or visit your nearest store if you can because Target is reviving this line of 17 designers with a collection of 34 dresses.  I have my eye on the frocks below!

Orange You Glad?

Hope everyone had a nice long weekend!  I was in Florida spending some much needed time in the Sunshine State which gave me inspiration for this Spring.  Orange is one of my favorite neutrals (yes, neutral); it is crisp and polished for work and playful for weekend wear.  A refreshing spin on the neutral, it goes by the name of Tangerine, Citrus, Poppy, Coral and Persimmon.  It brings a smile to my face just thinking about it.

Orange you Glad

Cocktail Dresses by Parker
Clutches by Inge Christopher

Chicagoans: Shop Tax Free at the 900 N. Michigan Shops

Once again The 900 Shops will be celebrating Presidents' Day weekend with a rare three day shopping event where shoppers can splurge "TAX FREE" on Saturday, Sunday and Presidents' Day Monday. Participating retailers will offer a 9.75% discount (equivalent to Cook County sales tax) to all shoppers, including sale items!

Shop "TAX-FREE" at over 40 of your favorite stores including J.Crew, MaxMara, Club Monaco, Michael Kors, L'Occitane, Diesel, Galt Toys + Galt Baby, Karen Millen, Original Penguin, Intimacy Bra Fit Stylists, space519 and MANY MORE. Click below for a complete list of participating retailers.

As a Presidents' Day bonus, you can park at a special "Alexander Hamilton" rate - only $10 for the entire day. Parking tickets must be validated with any purchase.

http://www.shop900.com/events/

Eye on the Prize

Makeup has never been my strong suit but it is something I wish I could master.  Over the years I have learned a few tricks of the trade that amplify every woman's natural beauty.  Many brunettes are lucky enough to have dark features that naturally emphasize their eyelashes and eyebrows...it must have skipped a generation in my case.

A few years ago I started getting my eyebrows plucked instead of waxed to keep them looking fuller and more precisely shaped to my face.  In addition, I began dying my eyebrows AND my eyelashes to decrease the amount of time I spend on them in the morning.  (It's an amazing trick for the summertime when you want to look more natural on the weekends or at the beach without having mascara on.)

My other best kept secret is an eyelash curler.  If I don't curl my eyelashes they stick straight out and no amount of mascara can give them that Minnie Mouse flutter look.  For 10 seconds I use my hairdryer to heat the eyelash curler and then hold it against my eyelashes for 10 more seconds.  (Make sure it's not too hot!)  I immediately apply mascara and in just 20 seconds I have long, emphasized peepers!

WARNING: If you have an eyeball issue then you may not want to scroll down. 

 

 

25% Off at Banana Republic

Banana Republic is offering 25% off your entire order today!  Hurry up and get some new Spring outfits.  Below are some of my personal faves.